Hi. I am looking to buy a good, reliable and not very expensive On-the-Trail GPS receiver in the near future. After comparison of the available Garmin models, I stopped at GPSMap 78s, GPSMap 62s/sc and eTrex 30. Which one would you suggest?
The 78s have a big body, is heavier but floats. It is indicated for nautical use, although it can also be used on trails, roads .. The 62 Series devices are good, but too big and bulky for my liking. It has the advantage of having connection to external antenna, which improves the precision effectively, according to an acquaintance who works with topography and employs sophisticated GPS equipment in your business (and the 62 is not one of them, lol). Particularly I prefer the Etrex 30 of the 3 mentioned: it is small, lightweight, accurate, supports the Russian GLONASS constellation of satellites that improves tuning in dense forests and canyons and has a very important advantage: a better battery duration between handhelds Garmin (25 hours), ideal for long periods away from civilization.
If you really want the best of both worlds and not be too concerned with money, wait to purchase the Oregon 650 (from $480) which should reach U.S. stores in early April
Last edited by angelozip; 23rd February 2013 at 05:31 PM.
DriveLuxe50, Nuvi 2689, Etrex 30x, Epix, VivoActive HR.
I know Oregon 650 and Montana 650 are the best, but I am not ready to pay a fortune because of camera and touchscreen.
GPSMap 78s for owners of the big masculine paws and GPSMap 62s for other gentlemen
eTrex 30 is very compact but processor is compact also Slowdown on overloaded by detail maps and JNX is a really fact!
Oregon 600/650 is not rugged due sensor screen but its have a absolutely unlimited possibilities for custom alterations on screen for quick access to all features. I am only suggested this by analogy with predecessor - Montana...
Garmin, how much is 30 pieces of silver for Judas today? Were they worthy for crucifix of GPSPower?
Etrex 30 has a serious problem with compass calibration too, see:
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Galaxy S5 Kitkat 4.4.2 / Nuvi1200->1250 / Nuvi3790T->34xx / Nuvi 2200 / Nuvi 66 / Oregon 600
Is true Caty, this is (or was) a serious problem: the compass loss calibration quickly, a disagreeable annoyance when in consults of the map or search the correct direction when we're standing. However, it seems to me that the problem has been fixed with the latest firmware, 2.87 beta. Not yet tested in track, but in urban test working well and apparently the problem was solved. Anyway, the operation of the compass is not as smooth as in Oregon and other models, it has not certainly how to enhance.
In relation to the slow processor Giomen is right, this is another downside, a little uncomfortable with raster maps kmz / Garmin. With JNX I do not notice very inconvenient, it is perfectly usable. Besides Etrex 30 I also have an Oregon 450 that I really like: it is faster, no doubt, has bigger screen, is tooch screen .., great for trails one day or two, but when it comes to survival, for long adventures in the forest or in high mountain, for the reasons I have already explained previously, I always take the Etrex 30.
Last edited by angelozip; 25th February 2013 at 06:20 PM.
DriveLuxe50, Nuvi 2689, Etrex 30x, Epix, VivoActive HR.
Does routing works ok for you with new beta? No crashes?
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You have to navigate to get to the good.
Galaxy S5 Kitkat 4.4.2 / Nuvi1200->1250 / Nuvi3790T->34xx / Nuvi 2200 / Nuvi 66 / Oregon 600
I never used the etrex30 in routing road, but I'll be alert and attentive, briefly make some tests. In the forums that I frequent in my country, still have not seen comments about it, and there are many people who have etrex30 and 20, stay tuned.
Last edited by angelozip; 25th February 2013 at 07:17 PM.
DriveLuxe50, Nuvi 2689, Etrex 30x, Epix, VivoActive HR.
For my part I own a 62s and I am very satisfied with it. I find it accurate, sturdy and I prefer the use of buttons instead of a touch screen. The reason is, especially if you live in a cold country like mine the use of a touch screen is not very practical when your fingers are frozen. Two years ago I went backpacking in Europe and the guy I was with had a Garmin with a touch screen and he kept having problems with the screen responsiveness, so when he got back home he bought a 62s. I agree that you shouldn't pay more for the camera, so I would stick with the 62s
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